Amy Straka Photography »

Let me start this post by saying that Shawna and Rick are the best! What other couple wants to take a break in the middle of the session to eat at Roma’s? Only the best!

Usually I feel like my brides and grooms become my friends throughout the course of shooting their weddings, but in this case, the bride and groom became my friends throughout the course of shooting our mutual friends’ wedding!

We met the night that Nate and Jackie got engaged, after Shawna and Rick were already engaged. We hit the bar to celebrate, and met again a few weeks later, maybe even months later, during a party at Jackie and Nate’s house. Of course I talk about nothing but wedding photography everywhere I go, so when we got on the subject, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to shoot both couples’ fantastic weddings!

Nate and Jackie’s wedding was a blast. I always love the double role of friend and photographer, though it often brings more tears. I knew after Matt, my husband, and I partied with Rick and Shawna all night that their wedding would probably just as amazing a time as Nate and Jackie’s! The engagement session proves us right thus far! Two weeks from now will be more evidence!

We did a classic Tour-de-Michigan City for Shawna and Rick’s session, which was a blast–a blast of cold air, and at some points, ice cold Lake Michigan water! Like I said a million paragraphs ago, however, we took a break halfway through and had some bomb calzones and pasta at Roma’s on Franklin and Greenwood, a definite best-kept secret of Michigan City. Not even temperatures in the mid-to-low thirties and intense winds could stop us from taking some adorable photos.

Creek Ridge Park is a favorite place of mine to do photos because the look changes so incredibly with the seasons, even week to week. There is always something gorgeous and new going on at the park and I always love it.

More amazing locations include alleys behind my favorite Mexican restaurant, El Nopal, and the classic Washington Park Beach!

Props to Rick for this shot, he planned the whole thing himself! You’re totally hired, Rick! Good lookin’ out!

Good for them, being able to kiss and love each other when sprays of icy water and millions of tiny sand particles are being whipped at them full force. In fact, we couldn’t make it all the way down to the lighthouse because the waves were literally crashing over the side of the walk!

You guys are invincible and adorable… I am so excited for your wedding!